Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-12-17-Speech-2-163"
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"en.20021217.5.2-163"2
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"Mr President, I too would like to congratulate both rapporteurs, who have attained good results. I would particularly like to thank Mr Stenmarck for his cooperation in working with me on the other institutions' budgets and, crucially, the implementation of the front-loading exercise. This means that those budgets which at the outset were EUR 66 million over the ceiling, are now within an acceptable margin. This should help us in the 2004 budget as well.
The start of 2003 was a difficult budgetary year. Not only did we have major preparations in the institutions for the forthcoming enlargement, but the strains of working within a rigid framework agreed in Berlin were all too apparent, especially in category 4. I agree with what Mr Färm said earlier about the straightjacket system within which we have to work. It has been a real juggling act for both rapporteurs, especially on our main budget.
I have observed over the last three years a year-on-year crisis situation. Whilst the EU's obligations and global needs are growing, the finances are not. One of the fundamental problems for Parliament is the lack of influence on the whole of the EU's budget, particularly category 1. While we, as parliamentarians, are committed to budgetary rigour, our inability to influence 50% of the EU budget is frustrating because we cannot fully translate political priorities into budgetary ones. Therefore, I would like to congratulate both Mr Stenmarck and Mr Färm, particularly Mr Färm, for achieving what he has done in delivering on most of Parliament's priorities.
The reality of enlargement is upon us. However, until we have the outcome of the Convention and the full extent of the new role of the institution is established, it will be difficult to put direct plans into place. Although we have begun preparations in this budget and some minor adaptations have already taken place in this House, the reality of enlargement has not fully sunk in within the institutions. We have not properly begun to address the full implications of enlargement. Let us just look at the three places of work.
Concerning Strasbourg, there are likely to be something like 100 new MEPs plus their assistants as well as their Council counterparts and additional Commission staff from the new members of the European Union. In practical terms, that means that there are likely to be 2 000 to 3 000 more people around once a month in this city. Even now the hotels are struggling to cope. I know we are known as a travelling circus but, come May 2004, we may literally have to camp out in our tents because there will not be enough hotel rooms as a result of the enlarged Parliament.
Combined with this the transport links – especially the air links – are far from satisfactory for current Members. Therefore it is absolutely essential that the Convention grasps the nettle and looks seriously at the three places of work. How can these be reduced? It is important that the Council and the Convention recognise that they have to take this political decision."@en1
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